That has been the key word for Holy Cross football all spring, and Wednesday was no different as first-year head coach Eric Rebaudo is putting his stamp on the Tigers. Rebaudo is taking over for long-time coach Barry Wilson, who retired to become the Tigers’ athletic director.

Rebaudo said Wilson is still a valued adviser as the Tigers reached their sixth practice for a spring that is focused on player evaluation.

“Everything we do has been with a purpose,” Rebaudo said. “You’re not going to see a lot of wasted time in our practices.”

Coming off a semifinalist season a year ago, the Tigers are looking to replace nine defensive starters. Rebaudo was defensive coordinator last season, but in 2014, the Tigers will likely rely on the offense early.

That was evident Wednesday as rising junior running back Tre Turner broke off several long runs during the team scrimmage. Turner, who was practicing for the first time in pads since returning from baseball, said the team has a renewed energy.

“On the offensive side, I think we have a lot of good returners, so I think it’ll be our strength this year,” he said. “Coach Rebaudo is coming in and making some good changes that we really like so we’re excited.”

Rising junior quarterback Kyle Schexnayder will replace graduating senior James Tabary. Schexnayder is a dual threat, Rebaudo said, and the signal caller made some solid throws Wednesday along with a few youthful mistakes.

“We’ve just been working hard, and I feel like I have a lot to prove stepping in for James (Tabary),” Schexnayder said. “I’m just ready. We have a lot to prove as a team. We want to make sure to finish everything hard. We like the fast tempo under Coach Rebaudo."

Schexnayder has some solid weapons in Turner and rising senior wide receiver Michael Chigbu, who is a national recruit.

While the offense made some big plays, the defense held its own for much of Wednesday’s practice. Rebaudo said the unit has plenty of speed and talent, so it’s just a matter of finding the correct combination of players to form the new starting unit.

“Spring has been going very well, and our new head coach is very aggressive and to the point,” Richardson said. “Coach Rebaudo wants everything every high tempo, high pace and very aggressive. He doesn’t want slacking around at all. It's been a good spring.”

The Tigers will wrap up their spring practices next Friday with the Blue-Gold intrasquad scrimmage at Holy Cross at 3 p.m.